Best lens for gala shoot

I'm going to be shooting a formal fundraising event in a few weeks (for fun) and was wondering what lens you might recommend. The room is large (400 people) and fairly well lit. I have an external flash but with a room that big I don't expect much from that. I'm thinking that my 35mm f1.8 and my 85mm f1.8 might be my best bets. I love my 18-300mm f3.5-5.6 as a great all-around lens but I'm thinking the small apertures will be an issue. Thoughts?

If at all possible I would try and scout the location with a friend and take pictures around the layout. This way you are prepared with your lighting and lens setup. This eliminates your guess work on what lens, and fooling around with your flash when you get there.

Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

I posted this in general lenses but I believe it belongs better here. I'm going to be shooting a formal fundraising event in a few weeks (for fun) and was wondering what lens you might recommend. The room is large (400 people) and fairly well lit. I have an external flash but with a room that big I don't expect much from that. I'm thinking that my 35mm f1.8 and my 85mm f1.8 might be my best bets. I love my 18-300mm f3.5-5.6 as a great all-around lens but I'm thinking the small apertures will be an issue. Thoughts?

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

I'm not sure what lenses you have besides what you mentioned, but out of those mentioned the 35mm and 85mm would be great choices if switching lenses won't be an issue.
Now if changing lenses causes an issue, a zoom would be a possibly better choice. But I'm not familiar with the zoom your working with, and lighting might be an issue there.

If the place is crowded that 35mm might work out great!

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

Thanks. The event is 3 1/2 hours so switching lenses won't be a problem. I also have 18-55 & 55-200 kit lenses but I don't think they'll be fast enough (same as the 18-300) for the indoor lighting. Appreciate the input!

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

The only problem I see with the fast lenses is that you can't shoot wide. With the 35 and DX, you're 35mm equivalent is 52mm. I shoot a lot of events and many of my group shots are between 24 and 50mm. I'd take the 18-55 along just in case, along with a flash and some method of bending or bouncing light.

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

Thanks.

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

Darn I forgot about the camera being a DX. My buddy @singlerosa is right. Sorry I've gotten use to using just FX, and missed the fact your using a D3200.

Re: Best lens choice for charity gala shoot

See my response here.

See my response here.

Duplicate thread merged

I'd be interested to see/hear what lens Brett eventually decides on ... and what he thinks of the photos he captures, once the event is over.

Thanks Max. I will keep you posted. I'm leaning toward switching between my 35 mm for general room shots and such and the 85mm for shots of the platform performers during that part of the event.

Well indeed I used the 35 f/1.8 for general shots and the 85 f/1.8 for the platform presentation and performance shots. No flash the whole night I am extremely pleased with the results. Next time I may spring for the 10-24mm that is next on my lens purchase list.